Investigations lead to charges for salmon poaching

Four people have been charged with various offences related to illegal salmon fishing in central Newfoundland.

A news release issued today by the provincial Department of Justice says the charges stem from three separate investigations earlier this week by officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division. Two of the investigations resulted from anonymous tips.

On Monday, fish and wildlife enforcement officers from the Gander detachment received a tip that a salmon net was illegally set in a tributary of the Gander River, known as Salmon Brook. The officers investigated and through surveillance were able to record two people retrieving the net and the salmon. Later the following day, the two men were identified and charged with illegally netting salmon in inland waters and illegal possession of salmon.

Also on Monday, while officers in Roddickton were conducting routine patrols on the Northern Peninsula, a net was located, illegally set in coastal waters to intercept migrating salmon. Early the following morning, officers were successful in apprehending a man, who was charged with illegally netting Atlantic salmon in coastal waters and for illegal possession of salmon. A boat, a net and 11 Atlantic salmon were seized.

On Tuesday, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division in Whitbourne received an anonymous tip that someone was attempting to jig salmon in a closed area of the Northeast Placentia River. An officer was immediately dispatched to the area and apprehended a man, who was charged with several offences. Equipment used in the incident was seized and he is expected to make an appearance in provincial court at a later date.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is warning would-be poachers that officers are committed to apprehending anyone who violates the law or threatens Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class salmon and trout populations. Throughout the summer officers will continue to travel throughout all regions of the province to enforce legislation that protects fish stocks.

Anonymous tips are welcomed by phoning the Fish and Wild Enforcement Division, toll-free at any time of the day, at 1-877-820-0999, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca or www.nlcrimestoppers.com.